Art & Architecture Along Spain’s Balearic Coast

Your private transfer brings you to your Barcelona accommodation today. Settle in before meeting your fellow travellers at this evening’s Welcome Dinner.

Visit Park Güell, a dreamscape for garden and architecture lovers. It’s here that Gaudí’s imaginative genius comes alive through its colourful mosaics, organic architecture, and other whimsical structures nestled among the vibrant Mediterranean flora. Afterwards, create your own Gaudí-inspired mosaic using the trencadís technique, which you will learn from a leading specialist of the Catalan art form within a private studio at Torre Bellesguard. This evening, enjoy an exclusive visit to Casa Vicens after it closes to the public. One of Gaudí’s first major works and a UNESCO World Heritage site, Casa Vicens offers a captivating glimpse into the origins of his revolutionary architectural style. Built as a summer residence in 1885, it showcases his early experiments with their use of vibrant colours, exotic influences, and the intricate craftsmanship that would later define his masterpieces.

Depart Barcelona today and visit Parc Samà on the way to Valencia. While Parc Samà is a garden, it’s also a living tapestry of history, art, and nature woven together in one breathtaking space. Built in 1881 as the summer residence of the Marquis of Marianao, it blends romantic landscaping with colonial influences, featuring exotic plants, tranquil lakes, hanging bridges, and architectural gems like the Pavelló dels Lloros and Torre de l’Angle. It’s also recognized as a historical garden and is listed on the European Route of Historic Gardens, making it a cultural treasure, as well as a botanical one. Arrive in Valencia this afternoon and settle into your central accommodation.

Glide across Albufera’s serene wetlands and vibrant rice fields during a guided boat tour. Encounter rare birds, unique fish, and visit a traditional barraca farmhouse near the Birdwatching Interpretation Centre. Cap off the day with an authentic paella slow-cooking experience, followed by a flavourful Valencian lunch. Then immerse yourself in the passion and rhythm of a flamenco performance to celebrate our final evening in Valencia.

Enjoy a leisurely morning before taking a stroll through Jardí del Túria, a lush urban park which was featured on Monty Don’s Spanish Gardens TV series. Continue to L’Umbracle Terraza, where Mediterranean gardens and contemporary sculptures have created a stunning fusion of art, architecture and greenery. Our tour concludes this afternoon as you embark MS Hebridean Sky in Valencia.